Damiana: Touted As an Aphrodisiac, But Does It Really Work?

Damiana, a plant used in traditional Mexican medicine, contains compounds that supposedly boost libido. It has also been used to treat a wide variety of disorders and diseases, including anemia, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.

However, there's no scientific evidence to support damiana's use for any health condition. What's more, the supplement may have side effects that make it unsafe for some people, such as those taking insulin.

Uses of Damiana

Turnera species have been used as medicinal plants for various conditions for centuries. These uses include but are not limited to:

• Anemia
• Bronchitis
• Conditions affecting people assigned female at birth (e.g., perimenopause, menopause)
• Cough
• Diabetes
• Fever
• Fungal infection
• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
• Pain
• Pulmonary and respiratory diseases
• Skin conditions

Turnera species have also been used as abortives, expectorants (cough medicine that clears phlegm), and laxatives.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has been promoted as an aphrodisiac. This means that damiana might improve sex drive (libido) and performance.

It is essential to remember, however, that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination. Also, damiana studies for libido have primarily been conducted on rats or mice with studies on humans limited making damiana's effects unclear. The aphrodisiac effect may be related to the plant's high levels of flavonoids. Flavonoids are plant chemicals that are thought to affect the function of sex hormones.

Further, higher-quality studies are needed in humans before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness for any condition.

What Are the Side Effects of Damiana?

As with many medications and herbs, side effects are possible with damiana.

Common Side Effects

The following were found in studies using damiana:

• Appetite suppression
• Delayed gastric (stomach) emptying

However, the studies used a combination product (damiana, yerba mate, guarana) and inulin (a type of plant food fiber). It's unclear if damiana alone would have these effects.

Some isolated components of damiana have decreased blood sugar.

Severe Side Effects

A severe anaphylactic (allergic) reaction is also a possible serious side effect of any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of these side effects.

Precautions

Your healthcare provider may advise against taking damiana if any of the following applies to you:

• Severe allergic reaction: If you have a severe allergic reaction to damiana or its components (ingredients), you shouldn't take this herb.
• Pregnancy: It is unclear whether damiana affects estrogen activity. Also, information is lacking on damiana product labels regarding its use in pregnant people. With little information on damiana's safety during pregnancy, avoid this herb while pregnant. If you have questions, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of damiana.
• Breastfeeding: There are no damiana products for nursing parents. For this reason, avoid damiana while breastfeeding. Consider talking with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and harms of damiana.
• Children: If you are considering damiana for your child, have a conversation with your child's healthcare provider (such as a pediatrician) first.
• Older adults over age 65: Research is sparse on how safe damiana is in all people over 65. But since older adults tend to be more sensitive to medication side effects than younger people, people in this age group should take damiana with caution.
  

Dosage: How Much Damiana Should I Take?

While there are a few small studies on damiana, larger and better-designed studies are needed. For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take for any condition.

If you want to try damiana, talk with your healthcare provider first. And follow their recommendations or the label instructions.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Damiana?

There is little information about damiana toxicity and overdoses in humans. However, high doses of 200 grams may cause convulsions. You may also experience symptoms similar to rabies or strychnine poisoning.

If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.

Interactions

Since damiana or its components may lower blood glucose (sugar) levels, this herb may increase the effects of diabetes medications—like insulin. If your blood sugar is too low, you may experience symptoms such as excessive tiredness and sweating. For this reason, take damiana with caution.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients are in the product and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Damiana

Since storage instructions may vary for different herbal products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medicines tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.

Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about the best ways to dispose of your medications or supplements.

Similar Supplements

Damiana is a plant that can potentially suppress appetite and increase libido (sex drive). Yohimbe is another plant that some people use for the same potential effects.

As with damiana, there is limited research to support using yohimbe for weight loss or libido. Yohimbe is also not typically recommended in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in children. Also remember that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.

But unlike damiana, there is more information about yohimbe's potential side effects and drug interactions. For example, yohimbe is linked to the following side effects:

• Anxiety
• Heart attacks
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures

Yohimbe may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants, such as Nardil (phenelzine).

Sources of Damiana & What to Look For

There are several different sources of damiana.

Food Sources of Damiana

Damiana is naturally available as a wild shrub. In the United States, it's approved to be used as a flavoring agent in food.

Damiana Supplements

Damiana is sold in several forms, including pills—like capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, damiana is also available in the following dosage forms:

• Liquid extract
• Tea

You typically can find damiana at health food stores and shops specializing in supplements and herbs. Damiana may also be in herbal combination products to suppress appetite or increase libido. (Be aware that supplements advertised for sexual enhancement may have a high risk of contamination.)

Summary

Turnera species have been used in traditional medicines for many conditions. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub with a long history as a medicinal plant. For example, people might use it to lose weight or improve libido (sex drive). There's limited research to support its use for these purposes, however.

Damiana is always combined with other herbs in human studies, making damiana's effects on its own unclear. Also, it's important to know that supplements advertised for weight loss or sexual enhancement often have a high risk of contamination.

Taking large doses of damiana may be harmful. Children, people with diabetes, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking it.

Before taking damiana, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.